One do it all rifle caliber? What if TWO?

[DM~]

I see NO reason to change my choice from the other thread either,



I don't have to "think" about all these hypotheticals, whether my choice will work or not. I've used MY "choice" to survive in the bush, to keep me safe and fed, for weeks at a time, while living by my self out of a 3 man tent. And that includes in the winter in the Alaskan bush.

SO, I'm pretty confident in my choice, and that it WILL work where ever I need it...

DM

 

[DavidABQ]

I would think that a .223 and a .308 would handle just about anything someone might go hunting for.

 

[Nature Boy]

.30-06 and .223

No, wait

.308 and .223

 

[MCMXI]

I agree, also two of the brands that already offer them, Winchester and Browning opted to go with a 1:10 twist, slower than you see with pretty much any other full power 7mm. I would be interested in an X-Bolt in .280 if it had a 9 or even 9.5 twist for the heavier, slicker bullets.

Kimber offers the .280 AI which is a better version of the .280 Remington ... and it comes with a 1:9 twist. You can have a Mountain Ascent, Subalpine, Montana, Hunter or Classic Select in .280 AI. Hornady is now making .280 AI ammunition along with the mainstay Nosler, both of which shoot well in the Kimbers, but that cartridge really shines for the handloader. I'm going to have to get one sooner rather than later.

 

[JeffG]

I've enjoyed the "one do it all rifle caliber" thread. I think it has been a good discussion. I know that many of us can afford multiple rifles for varied purposes, but not I think like a hunter, so here are my initial thoughts.

.308 Winchester. Loaded properly, a very capable hunting and target round. While it might not be the best round for the biggest bears in North America, it would do in a pinch, and it is adequate or better for everything else. While a .30-06 would be a bit more capable on the high end, I'm a fan of short-action rifles. That makes my other option a 7mm SAUM, but that's virtually become a hand-loader-only cartridge, which makes it hard to recommend.

Something in .243/6mm. While the .223 is a great round, I'd like something lighter than the .308 for smaller game, but with better long-range ballistics for getting "way out there." Until recently I might have said .243 Winchester, but now I'm leaning toward the 6mm Creedmoor.

As always, I reserve the right to change my mind ...

Think of it this way, no matter what caliber you choose, it's going to be forced to be the "do all" caliber. Good selections on your part so far....handload.

 

[Gordon]

Well a .375 H&H and a 5.56 could be loaded for anything. I am finding a .22lr less use full for game in my old age. A sub sonic 5.56 load is more certain with no extra destruction other than small birds which I won't eat.

 

[justice06rr]

.30-06
AR15 in 5.56mm/.22lr conversion kit (I have yet to understand why everyone doesn't have one)

A 22lr bolt Conversion is not as reliable as a 22lr Complete rifle. Plus the conversion kit is almost as expensive as a 22lr rifle itself.

I currently own a 16" AR15 in 5.56 and also a 7" AR with a CMMG 22lr bolt conversion. So in essence, I can swap out the calibers in both rifles. The problem with the 22 conversion is that its not reliable; meaning I usually get a malfunction at least one round every mag. Not a big deal for a 22lr plinker/range toy really. But before this, I owned the Smith and Wesson 15-22 rifle and it was dead nuts reliable.

I've also owned a Ruger 10/22 a few years back and that was very reliable and accurate. A 22lr conversion is just not properly suited due to a few reasons such as twist rate, chamber variances, etc.

Still, a 22lr conversion kit is a good option to have with a 5.56 AR15. The CMMG I bought costs $200 and comes with 3mags. In comparison, a Ruger 10/22 costs about $220.

 

[MEHavey]

To do it ALL....
- 243 Win
- 375 H&H

 

[billybob44]

This makes good sense. It's hard for me to keep my own interests out of the equation. I might prefer a 6 mm to the .223, but if I'm recommending to a son-in-law a pair for maximum flexibility, this might be the best solution. Also leaves open the choice of bolt-action or semi-automatic, depending on purpose.

I'll have to explore Armored Farmer's idea of a .22LR conversion for my AR. I've never pursued it because when I first heard of them, they were notoriously unreliable. Guess they've gotten the kinks worked out?

I'm right there with you..For Center Fire rifle hunting mostly, My Remington 700 HB .308 Win. and my Remington 700 HB 6MM Remington would be the last to go out of my safe.
I will say my AR's would be third...Bill.

 

[Riomouse911]

Well, since this is a fantasy scenario and I am being limited...

.22-250 and a 7mm Remington Mag.

Bolt action and scoped; 24" barrels for both, a 1-9 twist for the .22-250.

One can load them up or load them down. If one doesn't reload, cartridges are in every store for both with a huge variety of bullet weights, styles and velocities.

With the 7mm, there isn't anything on the continent that it hasn't taken. I'll admit it's obviously a bit light for the biggest Kodiak Island bears, but it can and will kill them. Shoots flat, hits hard, and recoil isn't obnoxious.

With the .22-250 it'll hit small critters way out there, and will kill deer/sheep/antelope with the proper bullet & placement very well.

 

[AABEN]

The 270 has a large grope of bullets to pick from 90 up to 160 Jack O Connor was a man that made this round a very good round look him up and see what he has said about this round. The 223 can be a very good round also 35 up to 90 if you want. This will give you a wide range of bullets choice . GOOD LICK

 

[hdwhit]

.223/5.56 and .308 Winchester. Both are military cartridges with wide civilian following. Choices in guns are plentiful. Ammunition is readily available. Components are inexpensive. Powder choices are numerous.

 

[adcoch1]

I am an unashamed fanboy of the 30-06, so that might be a single rifle pick, but if I could have two, I'd take a Winchester 70 stainless synthetic in 375 H&H and a lightweight ar15 carbine in 5.56. a 2-7x leupold on the H&H and a 4-12 on the AR in QD mounts so I could get to the sights too. I believe I'd be content for any hunting or defensive situation that a rifle could be used for with those two rifles and some creative handloading...

 

[MTNSTRYDER]

My Family was looking over my shoulder as I re read this post and felt I should ad what I carry all most every trip into the woods.I have a Shew Clasic 59lb longbow that breaks down and fits in a shoulder quiver with 8 or 10 arrows and a 5inch BFR 454 in a chest holster.It’s true I carry my Bow more than any firearm I love stump shooting and the 454 is just because I have always wanted those words on the edge of old maps “Here There Be Dragons”To be true.
My secret is out now the 2 Items in my aviator are on my body in one form or another all the time, but when I head out for the woods I almost always grab my bow before a rifle.
Maybe there is a rehab for me?